FIRST LEGO League coaches,
if you haven't checked your team email...
The "Nature's Fury" Field Setup Kit will start being shipped on August 1, 2013; and the Mission Model Build Instructions will also be available on August 1, 2013 9am online @ firstlegoleague.org .
Those who pre-ordered the new Mindstorms EV3; it is planned to be shipped starting August 1. 2013. The new kit may be used this year in the FLL competition - more to come about any restrictions in using it; and yes, the NXT (and RCX if any one has one) may still be used.
And don't forget, August 27, 2013, "Nature's Fury" challenge will be released.
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The LeGology-Robotic Realm
Welcome to the world of LeGology Technology, FLL, Mindstorms Robotics, & Tetrix robots...
Friday, June 14, 2013
Thursday, June 6, 2013
Summer BotCamp @ NYU-Polytechnic...
Through NYU-Poly's Center for K12 STEM Education and in partnership with MakerBot, there will be a series of highly affordable workshops for middle and high school students on 3D printing, physical computing, and introductory engineering.
Registration form: https://www.poly.edu/ registration/botcamp
Monday, May 20, 2013
LEGO Store: Palisades Center Mall...
Hey, LEGO Fans (young & old)!
This is Reee-Bot, the Roving Robot Reporter.
If you happen to be in the area of the Palisades Mall in West Nyack (which happens to be an awesome mall) be sure to visit the LEGO store on the 3rd level.
I was there recently; and having arrived early I waited with other LEGO fans for the store to open. We could see well stocked shelves of all the latest LEGO kits available and cubbies full of LEGO elements for Pick a Brick. When the doors opened promptly on time, we rushed in to be greeted by friendly staff, who were eager, but patient in helping us make that important selection.
There were interesting models (a source of inspiration), and bits of LEGO history on display. While you are trying to decide on what kits to buy you can tinker with the LEGO elements available in a large table bin. I could have spent hours in here, but my human companion, The L3GO-Bots Lady, said we really couldn’t stay “that long.” However, we will be coming back when the new EV3 comes in.
The LEGO Store
Palisades Center
3462 Palisades Center Drive
West Nyack, NY 10994
When you visit be sure to pick up the latest calendar of store events
and say “Hi” to Mr. Lopez, the Store Manager, he’s a great guy!
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Sunday, May 12, 2013
Monday, May 6, 2013
Saturday, April 13, 2013
LEGO Family Fun Day @ Lyndhurst Mansion...
Come to Lyndhurst Mansion… Why??? It's Family Fun Day and it's also where the LEGOs are!!! Saturday, April 27th and Sunday, April 28th 2013 from 10am-4pm at the beautiful Lyndhurst Mansion in Tarrytown, New York (635 South Broadway -Route 9).
The two fun filled days will include, demonstrations/activities by FIRST LEGO League teams with motorized LEGO devices and LEGO® Mindstorms® Robotics, a LEGO trainscape by I LUG NY, wacky cars from Brick Kids, and of course lots and lots of LEGOs for building activities with LEGOLAND® Discovery Center's Master Builder Mike T., There will also be LEGO vendors, raffles and prizes. Tour the Mansion to find many LEGO® models by LEGO fans on display.
You can also bringing a small bag of LEGO® elements to donate to the festivities; it will be appreciated!
You can also bringing a small bag of LEGO® elements to donate to the festivities; it will be appreciated!
Admission: $9 for adults, $7 for children 4-11, and under 3 are free
For information: http://lyndhurst.org/upcoming-events/
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
LEGO Adventure Book...
Here’s a nice book for young (and not so young AFOLs like myself) LEGO builders. The LEGO® Adventure Book: Cars, Castles, Dinosaurs, and More! (Vol. 1) by Megan Rothrock, No Starch Press is a rather unique building instructions book, because it is written in a story/comic book style with color photos of LEGO scenes, models, and step-by-step building instructions. There are almost 200 models (25 have building instructions) that span themes of time, places, and styles with short building tips and journal notes; and I love the little speech bubbles of comments. The models and their building instructions are not just the author’s, but also 13 of the best LEGO builders around. With each builder’s name and website to see more of their creations.
The cool models and building
techniques are a source of inspiration for LEGO builders/fans of all abilities.
The author states on the title page, “For years, I’ve wanted to learn to be a
better builder, to do more with the LEGO bricks I have been creating with my
entire life. So today, I decided to do it. I packed up my stuff and headed into
the unknown. What will I build? What other LEGO builds might I encounter? It’s
going to be fun finding out!” I think this statement echoes the desires of most
LEGO builders – to be better builders and to see what their creativeness will
discover and create.
This is the type of book that
you prop up with your LEGO elements spread around you; to read and build at the
same time. Buy hardcover book from No Starch Press and receive the free eBook –
perfect for your tablet device, which is definitely the way to read and build
at the same time.
The LEGO® Adventure Book:
Cars, Castles, Dinosaurs, and More! is Volume 1 in what is to be a series and I
am looking forward to enjoying the future volumes as well.
*
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
FLL - Senior Solutions: NYC FLL Finals...
CONGRATULATIONS!
to the
Winners!
1st place Champion's Award
RoboMindTech
RoboTron
2nd place Champion's Award
Trinity School
Raging Tigers
3rd place Champion's Award
Brics~2~Bots Academy
NYCityzens
1st place Robot Performance
RoboMindTech
RoboTron
2nd place Robot Performance
Forest Hills Robotics League
Gear Masters
3rd place Robot Performance
St. Clare's School
Transformers 1
1st place Robot Strategy & Innovation
Queens Robotics Club
Queens Robotics Club
2md place Robot Strategy & Innovation
Bedford Academy HS
Bedford Bots
3rd place Robot Strategy & Innovation
RoboMindTech
RoboBeta
1st place Robot Mechanical Design
IS 27SI Prall
Mustangs 2
2nd place Robot Mechanical Design
St. Clare's
Transformers 2
3rd place Robot Mechanical Design
PS 126M MAT
MATbot
1st place Robot Programming
Fort Greene Prep
Nanowolves
2nd place Robot Programming
Hunter College HS
HCHS Robotics Team B
3rd place Robot Programming
Dalton School
Dalton 2
1st place Project Research
Edward Bleeher JHS 185Q
Bleeker Stars
2nd place Project Research
PS 8K Robot Fulton
Swagger Bots
3rd place Project Research
IS 383B
Skybots
1st place Project Presentation
The Chapin School
Chapin Bots 2
2nd place Project Presentation
Packer Collegiate Institute
Bearded Bob
3rd place Project Presentation
Dalton School
Dalton 1
1st place Project Innovative Solution
Forest Hills Robotics League
Planetary Forces
2nd place Project Innovative Solution
The Chapin School
Chapin Bots 1
3rd place Project Innovative Solution
RoboMindTech
RoboRocket
1st place Core Values Inspiration
The Gateway Middle School
Digital Pride
2nd place Core Values Inspiration
IS 119Q
Superbotz
3rd place Core Values Inspiration
Forest Hills Robotics League
Mindstorm Mechanics
1st place Core Values Teamwork
IS 119Q
Top Gearz
2nd place Core Values Teamwork
NYC Lab School
Gator II
3rd place Core Values Teamwork
Genesis at Xaverian
Genesis Legosmiths
1st place Core Values Gracious Professionalism
MS 45 Beacon Good Shepherd Services
Bronx Task Force
2nd place Core Values Gracious Professionalism
St. Clare's
Transformers 4
3rd place Core Values Gracious Professionalism
St. Clare's
Transformers 3
Judge's Award
Young Women's Leadership School of Brooklyn
TYWL Robotics
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Saturday, February 23, 2013
The Unofficial LEGO Technic Builder's Guide...
LEGO builders who have bought The Unofficial Builder’s Guide
(2nd edition) I am sure will agree that it is a great addition to
their LEGO® library. However, some of us might have bee a little disappointed
to find that the Technic® chapter was eliminated.
Well, there is good news, The Unofficial LEGO Technic
Builder’s Guide by Pawel “Sariel” Kmiec (No Starch Press) not only fills the missing chapters from the old Builder’s
Guide, but also expands on them giving the LEGO Technic builder an excellent
guide to building with Technic elements.
This book is in beautiful color with copious illustrations
showing the reader tips on how to build sturdy Technic creations. The book
takes you from the basic Technic elements showing you how to use them to the
mechanics of gearing, pneumatics, and motors (Technic, RCX, Power Functions) to advanced mechanics of wheeled
steering, suspensions, and transmissions (if you are not familiar with building transmissions, the chapter on them will definitely help you). The book is loaded with awesome ideas.
I highly recommend The Unofficial LEGO Technic Builder’s
Guide , because it is definitely a valuable source
information for the Technic builder, the LEGO model builder who wants to
incorporate Technic elements and the Mindstorms® robotics builder.
Book Reviews *
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
FLL - Senior Soiutions: NYC FIRST Regionals Qualifiers...
They are going to Javits!
Saturday March 9, 2013
8:00am - 3:00pm
Brooklyn
Champions Award
1st place - - PS 399 - Gear Hawks
2nd place - - IS 319K - Blood, Sweat, and Gears
3rd place - - PS 213K - 213 LEGO Dream team
Robot Awards
Robot Performance
1 st place - 7398 -PS 399K - Gear Hawks
2nd place - 7844 - PS 321K - NXT Lords
3rd place - - Bedford Academy HS - Bedfordbots
Mechanical Design
PS 8K - 2331 - Swagger Bots
Programming
1st place -7406 - MS 113K - Robot Falcons All Star
2nd place - 2048 - IS 383K - Skybots
Strategy and Innovation
1st place - 13273 - Sunset Park Prep - Lego My Eggo
2nd - 7405 - PS 11K - Mission11
Projec Awards
Research
1st place - 13859 - Fort Greene Prep - Nanowolves
2nd place - 7414 - PS 5K -Lego Rockets
Innovation
1st place - 12179 - Packer-Collegiate Institute - Beard Bob
2nd place -7424 - MS 57 - Ron Brown Acadeny
Presentation
12177- Packer-Collegiate Institute - Grandpa Bob's Whippersnappers
Core Value Awards
InspiraKtion
10773 - PS 92 - Technics
Teamwork
- Fort Greene Prep - Nanocubs
Gracious Professionalism
1st. place - 7408 - IS 318K - Nanobytes
2nd - 7412 - PS 3K - Robot Tigers
Against All Odds
12831 - The Young Women's Leadership School - TYWLS Robotics
Rising Star
- PS 8K - Mission Maker
Judge's Award
7413 - PS 256K - 256 Bots
Advancing
7419 - PS 270 Rovo-Warriors
Manhattan
Champions Award
1st place - 8434 - Chapin School - Chapin Bots 2
2nd. place - 7191 - Trinity School - Raging Tigers I
3rd - 4191 - Dalton - Hobbots
Robot Awards
Robot Performance
1st place - 14856 - Hunter College Campus - Hunter Probotics
2nd place - 7191 - Trinity - Raging Tigers II
3rd place - 4192 - Dalton - We Got the Beep
Mechanical Design
13305 - Graham Windham - Medabots
Programming
3916 - PS 126M - MATobots
Strategy and Innovation
13777 - Inwood Academy - Droid Makers
Project Awards
Research
14067 - Columbia Grammar and Prep - The Waggers
Innovation
6225 - PS 28M - The Innovators
Presentation
8432 - Chapin School - Chapin Bots 1
Core Values
Inspirations
15551 - Columbia Grammar and Prep - S-Tech
Teamwork
10656 - NYC Lab School - Lab Gators II
Gracious Professionalism
4805 - Columbia - Hunter Hawkers
Against All Odds
10468 - IS 289M - K89 Cougers
Rising Star
15247 - Gateway School - Digital Pride
Judges' Award
13263 - Dwight School - DWI Science
Advancing
4603 - Hunter College Campus - Hunter Games
Staten Island
Champion's Award
5908 - St. Clare's - Transformers 1
Robot Awards
Robot Performance
1st place - 3967 - IS 27 - Mustangs 1
2nd place - 5909 - St. Clare's - Transformers 2
Mechanical Design
5911 - St. Clare's - Transformers 4
Strategy and Innovation
5910 - St. Clare's - Transformers 3
Programming
3969 - IS 27 - Mustangs 2
Project
Research
12505 - Genesis at Xaverian - Purple Pandas
Innovation
3448 - NYC Parks - Marauder Bots
Presentation
2216 - PS 11 - Tech Tigers
Core Values
Inspiration
14535 - Genesis at Xaverian - Genesis Jedi
Teamwork
12735 - Genesis at Xaverian - Genesis Legosmiths
Gracious Professionalism
927 - IS 24 - Dark Knights
Bronx
Champion's Award
4442 - RoboMindTech - Robotron
Robot Awards
Robot Performance
1st place - 4442 - RoboMindTech - Robotron
2nd place - 1235 - B.R.A.T.S.
Mechanical Design
16165 - PS 153X - Robotronics
Strategy and Innovation
8135 - Horace Mann School - Basement Cubs
Programming
10452 - IS 98X - Ridder Kids
Project
Research
11810 - Family Life Academy - RoboSapiens
Innovation
4443 - RoboMindTech - RoboRockets
Core
Inspiration
7756 - MS 45X Beacon - Bronx Task Force
Teamwork
15139 - Riverside Country School - NXT Generation
Gracious Professionalism
7427 - Madiba Prep Middle School - Madibabots
Honorable Mention
14487 - PS 89X - Robotics 89
QUEENS
(Sorry, I was not given the awards categories)
509 - Brics~2~Bots - Dragonbots
5086 - Brics~2~Bots - NYCityzens
3713 - MS 215Q - Ryan Lions
13309 - JHS 185 - Bleeker Stars
123` - IS 119 - Top Gears
1233 - IS 119 - Superbotz
4094 - Forest Hills Robotics - Gear Masters
4095 - Forest Hills Robotics - Mindstorm Mechanics
4096 - Forest Hills Robotics - Planetary Forces
13460 - RoboMindTech - RoboBeta
4739 - Resurrection Ascension - RA Tech Titans
4604 - Queens Robotics Club - Queens Robotic Club
764 - MS 88Q - MasterMinds
763 - MS 88 - MasterMinds2
16179 - IS 192 - RoboFusion
2707 - MS 227Q - TNT Bulldogs
JrFLL Expo
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Congrats to Dragonbotz & NYCityzens...
Congratulations
NYCityzens - Robot Technical Award: Programming
and
Dragonbotz - Robot Technical Award: Strategy and Innovation
Brics~2~Bots Academy
Congratulations to all the teams that won at the
Queens Qualifier
Brooklyn Qualifier
Manhattan Qualifier
Bronx Qualifier
Staten Island Qualufier
(Complete list of winners will be posted after all the Qualifiers)
*
Sunday, January 13, 2013
This is FIRST...
FIRST
For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology
is underway
Check Out a Tournament Near You!
*
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
2013 NYC FIRST LEGO League Regionals are upon us!
Boro Qualifiers
Brooklyn - Jan. 12 - Polytechnic Institute - Susan Hermon - shermon@poly.edu
Manhattan - Jan. 19 - CCNY - Ivan Estevez - Iestevez89@gmail.com
Queens - Jan. 26 - MS 216Q - Peter Zanthus - Ptx79@aol.com
Bronx - Jan. 27 - Fordham University - Albert Davis - Albert.davis@parks.nyc.gov
Staten Island - Feb. 2 - Michael J. Petrides Complex - Francisco Portelos - mrportelos@gmail.com
Manhattan - Jan. 19 - CCNY - Ivan Estevez - Iestevez89@gmail.com
Queens - Jan. 26 - MS 216Q - Peter Zanthus - Ptx79@aol.com
Bronx - Jan. 27 - Fordham University - Albert Davis - Albert.davis@parks.nyc.gov
Staten Island - Feb. 2 - Michael J. Petrides Complex - Francisco Portelos - mrportelos@gmail.com
*
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Dean Kamen - Guest Speaker...

|
Dean Kamen, founder of FIRST Robotics, will be speaking at the
92nd Street Y on Sunday, December 16, 2012 at 7:30pm about "Why We Need More Scientists".
Tickets are especially discounted for FIRST team members, teachers, parents, volunteers and sponsors.
Click Here to order tickets.
Use promotional code - FIRST - for $10 tickets.
Sincerely,
New York City FIRST
|
Saturday, November 24, 2012
Robots Can Teach American Values...
If you missed this article back in March 2012, please check it out...
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Monday, November 5, 2012
FLL - Senior Solutions: Color Sensor & Field Mat...
In my post about the new field mat (Oct. 18), I might have spoken too soon. I am getting emails about how kids are having trouble sensing the green line on the mat with the RGB Color sensor. There seems to be no problem sensing the green bottle, but sometimes the green line on the mat is not picked up or a black line is sensed for the green. The White and the Black lines seem to work perfectly fine.
So I am working on several programs to see exactly where the problem is. If anyone has some information as to a solution. Please feel free to send a comment.
*
Sunday, November 4, 2012
The Unofficial LEGO Builder’s Guide...
When
the 1st edition (2005) of The Unofficial LEGO Builder’s Guide by Allen Bedford
was released it was the “must have” guide to LEGO building. The LEGO fans, of all ages, found a
reference book of the practices of LEGO building; they could now understand the
principles behind the kit instructions and take that step into freestyle
building. The book teaches LEGO fans how to choose and use the various building
elements in different ways so that LEGO builders can maximize their creativity
and build models that are sturdy. However, something was missing from this
wonderful book...... COLOR!
Well
LEGO builders, the new The Unofficial LEGO Builder’s Guide, 2nd edition is now
in COLOR! This updated version of the book is more condensed; it gets right to
the point, which is great, because we LEGO builders would rather be building.
Curious
though, three chapters were eliminated in this edition, Technic: Not As
Technical As It May Seem; Sorting, Storage, and Sitting Down to Build
Something; Making and Using Tools For LEGO Projects. The chapter on Storing...
yes, it could be eliminated because LEGO builders find their own personal way
of sorting, storing, and how they start to build. However, I think the chapter
on Making and Using Tools... would have been valuable for the neophyte LEGO
builder, and it had tips for some intermediate LEGO builders as well. The
chapter on Technic... and the technic elements that were eliminated in the
Brickopedia, I also feel should not have been eliminated, because LEGO builders
today are making use of Technic elements with the traditional elements to
create amazing models. Perhaps, it was a “cost” decision (color production is
expensive), but I believe LEGO fans would have paid the extra cost to have these two
chapters (Technic and Tools) included in this edition as well.
All in all, Allen
Bedford’s The Unofficial LEGO Builder’s Guide, 2nd edition (No Starch Press) is
a GREAT book to have if you are a LEGO fan/builder.
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